Ducks Call Up Gibson, Smith-Pelly from Norfolk

ANAHEIM, Calif. – The Anaheim Ducks announced Sunday that the National Hockey League (NHL) club has recalled goaltender John Gibson and right wing Devante Smith-Pelly from the Norfolk Admirals, Anaheim’s primary development affiliate in the American Hockey League (AHL).

Gibson, 20, played in 45 games with Norfolk this season, performing to a 21-17-4 record with a 2.34 goals-against average, .919 save percentage and five shutouts. Gibson ranked third among AHL goalies in goals-against average, seventh in save percentage, and second in shutouts. He leads all rookie netminders in goals-against average and is tied for first in shutouts and is second in both save percentage and saves (1141). The 6-3, 210-pound netminder is ranked fifth in wins and could possibly make his NHL debut during this stint with the Ducks as the regular season comes to a close.

Anaheim selected Gibson in the second round (39th overall) of the 2011 NHL Entry Draft. He's appeared in 46 career AHL games with a 21-17-4 record. He also has a 2.38 goals-against average and a .918 save percentage with five shutouts in his AHL tenure. The Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania native was named the CCM/AHL Goalie of the Month in October after going 3-1-2 with a 1.44 goals-against average and .953 save percentage in six appearances.

Smith-Pelly, 21, appeared in 16 contests so far this season with Anaheim, scoring a goal and 8 points with a +5 rating and two penalty minutes. In 43 games with Norfolk this season, he has notched 27 goals and 16 assists with 29 PIM. The Scarborough, Ontario native set career highs in goals and points, and leads the Admirals in goals.

Selected in the second round (42nd overall) of the 2010 NHL Entry Draft, Smith-Pelly debuted with Anaheim in 2011-12, recording 7 goals and 13 points with 16 penalty minutes in 49 games. The 6-0, 222-pound winger has 72 career NHL contests under his belt, scoring 8 goals and 21 points with 18 penalty minutes. In 120 career AHL games, he has amassed 75 points including 41 goals.

The Admirals will enjoy a couple of days rest at home, before hitting the road again to take on Providence, Worcester and Portland beginning at 7:05 p.m. Friday in Providence. Fans can tune-in on 1490 AM The Game and 1650 AM, or online at www.1490amthegame.com.

The Admirals return home next week to play the Hershey Bears on Wednesday, April 16 beginning at 7:15 p.m. College Students can purchase tickets for just $9 when they present their college I.D. to the Scope Box Office anytime after 2:00 p.m. the day of the game. The game is also a Family Fun Pack night! Fans can purchase 4 red-level tickets, 4 hot dogs, 4 sodas, and 4 popcorns for just $56! Family Fun Packs may be purchased at the box office as well.

Game tickets are now on sale, and are available through the Norfolk Scope Box Office, all Ticketmaster Outlets, charge-by-phone at 1-800-745-3000 and online at ticketmaster.com.